Thursday, April 5, 2012

Simplify Your Life Week Eleven #syl12

Ok time to catch up on the Simplify Your Lifechallenge. I apologise in advance for the bombardment of these posts as I catch up. I'm quite behind as I had a break from this during my blog break too.

This week (which technically was three weeks ago that's how far behind I am) is all about kindness, gratitude and altruism. The challenge is to practice gratitude daily and do an act of kindness.

Living in our country we are so very fortunate and have a lot to be grateful for. Of course we all our moments where everything feels like shit and it's hard to be grateful for our life and how lucky we are. You know what, that's ok too. It's normal.

It's kind of relevant, there's an Australian flag, but damn he's cute!

I try to be grateful everyday. Some days are hectic, some days are tense and stressful and some days I really don't want to get out of bed. It can be hard but I feel it's important to do so no one feels taken advantage of. Every day I tell the boys that I'm thankful for something they have done and multiple times a day we all say 'I love you'. When sesame is older she'll be included too, of course. It's a good way to debrief about the positive aspects of the day.

I also try to be kind. I think kindness is a perception too. Something I do that is kind may be just a normal action for someone else and vice versa. For me making lunch or dinner for my family is being kind as I don't do it often but for others that's just what they do.

My little acts of kindness include smiling at strangers and often donating clothes, accessories and homewares to charity. I've also been known to sit down and chat to people regardless of who they are.

There is always more room for kindness in our life. Off the top of my head we could do more for lufflump's daycare, shop more at op-shops and markets rather than big corporations, and send cards randomly to our friends to say thank you.

It's interesting actually thinking about what actions are taken to be grateful and kind. I need to do more, that much I know.